Learn by doing

Rather than teaching a lot of theory and having students occasionally apply a fraction of their knowledge on a class project, we do the opposite. We give our students increasingly difficult programming challenges to solve with minimal initial directions on how to solve them. As a result, our students learn to look for the theory and tools they need, how to understand them, how to apply them, and how to work as a team.

Through learning by doing and learning how to rapidly adopt new skills and methodologies, Holberton students are better prepared to succeed in this ever evolving industry.

Example of Projects

Build a video game

Build secure infrastructures

Clone a marketplace

Create a facial recognition engine

Code your own shell

Build your own blockchain

Learn from others

Peer learning is an educational practice in which students interact with their fellow students to reach their educational goals. Coupled with project-based learning, Holberton students are encouraged to unleash their creativity and learn how to solve practical challenges by working as a team. After all, successful companies are the result of successful teams, not just successful individuals.

We don't have formal classrooms or teachers — instead, our students collaborate, share their knowledge, and help each other.

Peer education is proven to foster a very constructive learning culture, as students are immersed into an environment where everyone is driven to help each other.

Soft skills and career development

Being a successful software engineer is more than just coding solo at a computer. The most successful engineers make their impact through brainstorming with peers, sharing techniques, pitching ideas, writing technical articles, and organizing meetups.

In fact, Google recently found the seven top characteristics of success at Google are all soft skills.

"The curriculum covers a great depth of topics, and there are always interesting advanced/optional tasks and projects to do if you have the bandwidth and desire. We are also learning how to learn - which is a critical skill in software engineering"

— Jinji Z., cohort 6 (SF Campus)

"Holberton provides students with opportunities to give a presentation in 3 minutes; allowing you to work on public speaking and being comfortable in front of others."

— Ca'nese C., cohort 6 (SF Campus)

"You get to solve problems together, build cool things, and ultimately be the master of your own education. My advice to you is - don't wait. If you want to apply - dive in. Go for it. It's worth it 100%"

— Stefan S., cohort 7 (SF Campus)

Learn how to learn

At Holberton, we don’t just teach students how to code or give the answers to the problems — in the real world, that’s not how it works.

Instead, the intensive curriculum is designed around collaborative, project-based learning that trains every Holberton graduate the coding skills that will help them land a job, and the learning skills that will help our graduates sustain their careers.

Holberton students are trained, challenged, and tested on the technologies of today, but the learning skills they develop here will prepare them to adapt to and learn the technologies and the coding languages of tomorrow.

Pathways

"The best engineers I worked with are the ones with a wide knowledge in software engineering. Knowing a bit about everything makes a big difference when debugging complicated problems and building solid products. Holberton is training this kind of people and I am very excited about that!"

"Writing code is the easiest part of an engineer's job. The hardest and most important one is being able to articulate your ideas clearly, be it to your coworkers, boss, press, or users. That makes the difference between a thinker and a typist."

Professional advisors

With a commitment to inspiring students and advancing a rigorous academic environment, the leaders of Holberton School ensure our curriculum adapts and responds to contemporary issues, industry changes, and new technologies.

Our professional advisors, mentors, and affiliated industry leaders not only keep our curriculum up to date with the latest techniques and skill sets, but they also give some of their time to our students in fireside chats, and professional networking opportunities.